Integrating Cultural Awareness into Medical Gross Anatomy Instruction.

Medical students need to understand how culture and patient management relate in order to provide optimal care to a diverse society. Multiple studies call for more cultural training in medical education. Some studies show that well-intentioned cultural competency curriculum can reinforce stereotypes, yet it is essential for educators to discuss varying identities with our students in their training in order to avoid the implication that white is the default patient identity. Our study evaluates a pilot, novel approach for integrating cultural content into the biomedical sciences, specifically gross anatomy. Clinical vignette practice questions were developed as tools to help students expand their anatomical knowledge and cultural and socioeconomic awareness, taking special consideration to avoid stereotypical presentations. We evaluated class of 2021 students' self-reported cultural awareness and ability to utilize culturally relevant information through completion of a survey in fall 2017 (pre) and winter 2017 (post). The students were surveyed on their ability to recognize and/or integrate culturally relevant information. Twenty-one students (